Clinton Praises APIs at Summit Meeting
By Sam Chu Lin

Close to seven hundred people attended this year’s Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) conference in Washington, D.C. The highlight came on May 25 at the Capitol Hilton Hotel, where President Clinton renewed his call for “One America” and complimented the API community for its many contributions.

Clinton acknowledged their patriotism and pointed out that next month, he will honor 21 API World War II veterans, including U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, with the Medal of Honor. He also noted that he has set up a new advisory commission, chaired by former congressman Norman Mineta, to advise him on ways the federal government can improve the quality of life for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

“I think the reason why so many people were so pleased to see Clinton here was because it brought some closure to some of the disappointments that occurred during his administration with regards as to how Asian Pacific Americans were targeted during the time of the campaign fund-raising scandal,” said Maeley Tom, a delegate from Sacramento.

Vice President Al Gore also spoke to leaders attending the conference. During a meeting at the National Democratic Club, Gore welcomed everyone by telephone. The Vice President was supposed to address the group in person, but because the vote for WTO (World Trade Organization) status for China was still pending, the President instructed him to remain on Capitol Hill. According to delegates, Gore promised that if elected president, he would to work to get more APIs appointed to federal positions.

Also at the conference was a two-day political seminar for elected officials, including Paul Tanaka, Gardena’s mayor pro tem; Joe Bee Xiong, a Hmong American city councilperson from Eau Claire, Wisc.; and Rithy Uong, a Cambodian American city councilperson from Lowell, Mass.

“Whether you are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or any other member of the Asian Pacific American community, just remember one thing: You’re all in the same tank together,” said Mineta to the attendees. “If we realize that, and we work with that thought in mind, then we will be successful.”